Is ‘Death Tech’ Going to Change How We Approach End of Life?

Death is a part of life. Will new technology help us to face that?
Posted on January 19, 2026 by Maria Mocerino Magazine Writer
person holding out smartphone

Is ‘Death Tech’ helping us confront the subject we can’t? Credit: Pixabay

In 2024, Crunchbase announced that investment in death-related startups increased remarkably over the past few years. As a relatively new sector to be disrupted, it’s understandable why startups want to enter this niche market, as the end-of-life industry is expected to generate upwards of $103 billion by 2027, but it’s maintained a reputation of resisting change and innovation. 

Does that resistance reflect our own reluctance to face death? And if so, does the rise of ‘Death Tech’ signal a newfound ability to confront end-of-life? 
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When A Child Has A Terminal Illness

Reflections on a short, full life, part two
Posted on January 17, 2026 by Kathleen Clohessy Editor-in Chief/SevenPonds

Trees at night expressing sadness of a child with a terminal illnessEach month Kathleen Clohessy, R.N., offers a new perspective on living with a terminal illness. Kathleen comes to SevenPonds with 25 years experience as a registered nurse caring for families and children facing life-threatening illness. She began her career in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Nassau County Medical Center in New York, and, after relocating to California, spent 15 years as an R.N. and Assistant Nurse Manager at the Pediatric Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Lucille Salter Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. She uses her extensive personal knowledge and expertise to enlighten our readers regarding the challenges associated with chronic illness and their profound effects on family relationships and human dynamics.  

This is part two of the story of a young boy with leukemia. If you missed part one, please read it here.

Grieve not that I die young. Is it not well to pass away ere life hath lost its brightness? — Lady Flora Hastings

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Posted in So, You Got the News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

“A Grief Observed” Author C.S. Lewis on a Noble Death

with floral heart crafted by the SevenPonds team
Posted on January 15, 2026 by Chelsea Kirtley
heart-shaped arrangement of flowers and leaves

a handmade heart by the SevenPonds team

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20 Quotes for Living Fully in the Face of Mortality

Embracing life's preciousness when time feels limited
Posted on January 13, 2026 by Rory James Sullivan (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

These quotes are meant to inspire those nearing the end of life, as well as their family members and friends. Time is limited and precious, and these reflections offer a gentle perspective on both living and dying. For those choosing to live fully in the face of mortality, they can be deeply uplifting. At SevenPonds, we hope these words bring you peace and love to carry you forward in a meaningful way.

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British Painter Nicola Tremain Captures Grief in Acrylic On Canvas

"Staving Off Grief" Confronts the Viewer with the Artist's Pain After the Recent Loss of a Close Friend
Posted on January 10, 2026 by Caitlin Manner (Blog Writer) SevenPonds
painted portrait of vibrant smiling woman

“Sharanya” (portrait of Tremain’s late friend)
Credit: Nicola Tremain

In addition to being an Emmy-nominated documentary director, Nicola Tremain is a self-taught British artist producing expressive still lifes, portraits, and abstract paintings. Her works, which have earned her several top marks, awards, and a spot competing on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year, are typically characterized by bold strokes of color and imaginative use of focus. (Side note: If you are a fan of The Great British Bake-Off and yearn for a similar style of artistic-but-low-stakes competition shows, the Sky Arts series are fantastic.)  Continue reading →

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Memorial Diamonds from Cremated Ashes: Keepsake or Fraud?

Lab-grown diamond companies claim to use the carbon from cremains to create memorial diamonds. Others claim it is impossible to do.
Posted on January 10, 2026 by Ariana Barnes (Magazine Writer)
lab grown diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds made by Washington Diamonds (not memorial diamonds)
Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Washington Diamonds Corporation

For families navigating grief and end-of-life preparations, the idea of transforming a loved one’s cremation ashes into a jewel as precious as a diamond can be a source of comfort. Diamonds are valuable, tangible keepsakes that can symbolize connection and memory.

Over the past two decades, companies have claimed to specialize in “cremation diamonds,” or lab-grown diamonds, advertised as being crafted from the carbon remaining in human ashes.   Continue reading →

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